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But the investigation could delay the funeral by several months, which is a concern to his family, who want at least some closure.

Danny said despite his brother having a knife in his possession he was not intending to hurt himself and would not have hurt anyone else, but that Marc, 30, had some personal problems which came to a head that day.

"By the time I got to hospital it was all over Facebook that he tried to kill himself so we want to set the record straight," he said. "That just is not true. He had some personal problems that came to a head but he wouldn't have hurt anyone or himself."

Marc Cole died after being tasered by police (Image: Danny Cole)

The self-employed painter and decorator had a partner and two young children, who he adored. He also leaves mum Susan Cole and sister Lisa.

"He idolised our mum and was a loyal little brother," Danny told the Falmouth Packet. "My mum is devastated and this (funeral delay) is making it worse. We just want to hold a funeral because until we do we cannot get any sort of closure. Mum wants to thank everyone for all their messages of support and I would like to thank all his friends who have been with mum every day since it happened, but we ask that no-one goes to the house and lets us grieve in peace."

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Marc dedicated two years to looking after his dad John while he battled cancer until his death last year. "He nursed dad throughout and did everything for him," said Danny.

Marc grew up around the Old Hill estate and Beacon and went to Penwerris School, Beacon Juniors and Falmouth School.

His passions were food and boxing – something he shared with Danny, who runs the Falmouth and Penryn Amateur Boxing Club at the Dracaena Centre.

Following Marc's death, Devon and Cornwall Police issued a statement which said: "On arrival officers were confronted with a man who was in possession of a knife. Due to the unfolding dynamic incident, police deployed a Taser. The man was taken to Treliske Hospital where he was later declared as deceased.

"Devon and Cornwall Police are co-operating with the IPCC who are independently investigating this incident, therefore we are currently unable to comment further while further investigations are ongoing."

An IPCC spokesman said: "We are independently investigating police contact with a man prior to his death in Falmouth. The investigation follows a mandatory referral from Devon and Cornwall Police and IPCC investigators have been deployed."

This week it has appealed for witnesses to come forward. A spokesman said: "The IPCC is aware of a number of members of the public who witnessed the incident, but is now asking for anyone else who may have been in the area at the time and who saw Mr Cole to come forward."

Investigators have met Mr Cole's family to advise them of our involvement. A post-mortem examination carried out last week was inconclusive, and further tests will be carried out. A coroner's inquest was opened and adjourned on Friday.

IPCC investigators have begun carrying out house to house enquiries and gathering witness statements, including accounts from the officers involved.

IPCC Commissioner Cindy Butts said: "My thoughts are with Mr Cole's family and friends and anyone affected following this traumatic event.

"It is important we establish all of the circumstances surrounding police contact with Mr Cole prior to his death. I would encourage anyone who thinks they may have seen something that evening to get in contact with the IPCC."